L. Berniece Warner

L. Berniece Warner

Born in rural Ladoga, Indiana on January 14, 1928 and passedaway on December 13, 2024. Daughter of Luther V. and Geneva Clark Bradley and dear step-mother Harriet Bradley. Brothers James (Dora) Bradley and William (Connie) Bradley. Son Robert (Kathleen) and 4 grandchildren: Meghan (Charlie), Mallory (Dan), Tucker (Fawn) and Sydney (Quinn) and 6 great-grandchildren (Chase, Harriet, Walker, Wells, Harvey and Betty). Son Shawn and daughter Leslie and 2 grandchildren (Brianna and Matthew). Berniece had an incredible capacity to love and include others as family, especially close family friend Todd Davis. She was preceded in death by Les in 2012, her beloved husband of 61 years, and her brother Bill in 2024.

Graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Married Leslie Warner, Jr. December 28, 1951, also from Ladoga, Indiana. Taught school in Birmingham, Alabama and El Paso, Texas prior to locating to Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana from 1954 to 1967. Resided in Peoria, Illinois from 1967 to 1984; Naples, Florida from 1984 to 2013 and Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2013 where she has been a resident of Saint John’s On The Lake. Berniece always enjoyed time with family and friends at the lake cottage on Lake Freeman in Monticello, Indiana and then later at the lake home on Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin. 

Named Ladonna Berniece Bradley but her mother insisted early on using her middle name Berniece because she didn’t like her new nickname “Donnie” that the local boys and others were using. In addition to teaching Business, English and Typing to grade schoolers in Alabama and Texas in the 1950’s, she was active in many charitable and school organizations in Indiana and Illinois. Berniece also owned and operated a well-known gift store, the “Wool ‘n Wick” in Morton, IL, for years, in the 70’s. Always happy and positive and recognized by her unique laugh, she was known for her stylish box purses, oysters on the half shell, a cold “Gluek Stite” beer at the lake in Indiana with friends, and later, a well-made CC Manhattan with anyone. Berniece created a warm and welcoming environment for all around her. She hosted countless gatherings for family, business associates and extended family showing both her kindness and hospitality traits and her ability to make people feel cared for and valued. She will be missed and remembered by all whom she touched.

Special thanks and appreciation to the staff and friends at Saint John’s On The Lake and to the staff at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice, especially Dr. Nick Turkal.